Believing in the Bible is a personal decision that can be based on different factors. If you’re exploring belief in the Bible, it’s worth reading it for yourself to see and evaluate the five following principles.
- The Scriptures are inspired of God. Paul said, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,…” (2 Timothy 3:16). Because they’re inspired, they’re different than philosophical books and other religious texts.
- The Scriptures contain all truth. “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:13). The majority of the world believes that the Bible is man-made, but its content shows that One higher than man produced it.
- The truth of the Scriptures is perpetual. “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). It doesn’t need to be refurbished or rehabbed every few centuries. Our changing culture regarding women’s roles and LGBTQ+ issues doesn’t change it.
- The Scriptures prepare and equip us for every good work. “… that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). The Bible commands and demonstrates how I can be a better person in the world.
- The Scriptures endure forever. “‘But the word of the Lord endures forever.’ Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:25). They existed for 3,500 years and will exist until the end of time. The Bible is consistently the best-selling book worldwide. There’s a reason for this!
The Bible influences countless lives and societies. It has incredible, God-given power to help people make good decisions and thereby have a good life. Engage with it directly, examining its claims with an open heart and mind, and let these five Bible-based principles rule and enlarge your spiritual life.
Adapted from Harold Hancock